NER: Novel Nanodevices based on Magnetic Nanoparticles Functionalized with Intelligent Polymer Networks

本研究的目的是通过将智能聚合物网络与磁性纳米颗粒相结合来开发新型纳米器件。 该方法基于待开发的创新工艺，该工艺将使各种智能聚合物网络直接在磁性纳米颗粒表面上进行可控聚合。 智能聚合物网络可以被设计成模仿生物识别过程或识别具有定制响应的环境条件，但也比生物系统更鲁棒。 这些聚合物网络的性质可以通过它们的分子设计来定制。 这些纳米级器件有望在各种各样的应用中具有固有的优势，例如在传感、分离和治疗中。 这项研究的独特之处在于它将磁性微米和纳米粒子与智能聚合物网络相结合。 总的来说，这项研究将推进对智能聚合物网络和磁性粒子的基本理解，并有望成为PI实验室在智能材料和设备领域的许多进一步发展的起点。 这项研究将直接培养至少一名博士。学生，并预计将启动更多的学生在这一新的研究领域的教育。 这些学生将在智能材料和微纳米技术领域的各个方面接受培训和教育。 潜在的社会和经济影响是无限的。 例如，该项目中提出的新型纳米器件预计将显著增强现代医疗保健中的治疗和诊断方法。

The objective of this research is to develop novel nanodevices by integrating intelligent polymer networks with magnetic nanoparticles. The approach is based in innovative processes to be developed that will enable for the controlled polymerization of a wide variety of intelligent polymer networks directly on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles. Intelligent polymer networks can be designed to mimic biological recognition processes or to recognize environmental conditions with tailored response yet also be more robust than biological systems. The properties of these polymer networks can be tailored through their molecular design. These nanoscale devices are expected to have inherent advantages in a wide variety of applications, such as in sensing, separations, and therapeutics. The proposed research is unique in its combination of magnetic micro- and nanoparticles and intelligent polymer networks. In general, the research will advance the fundamental understanding of intelligent polymer networks and magnetic particles, and it is expected to act as an initiation point for many further developments within the PI's laboratory in the area of intelligent materials and devices. The proposed research will directly educate at least one Ph.D. student and is expected to initiate the education of many more students in this new area of research. These students will be trained and educated in all aspects of the field intelligent materials and micro- and nanotechnologies. The potential social and economic impacts are boundless. For example, the novel nanoscale devices proposed in this project are anticipated to significantly enhance therapeutic and diagnostic methods in modern healthcare.